Lakewood Shores (The Gailes)

Lakewood Shores is a 54-hole resort on the shores of Lake Huron in upstate Michigan, and its most celebrated route is The Gailes, a links-inspired setup designed by Kevin Aldridge.

Although the first tee shot will be out to a burn that flows across the fairway, this is by no means a St. Andrews tribute course. In fact, perhaps to add a bit of America to the Scottish aesthetic, there will be many more burn crossings throughout the round. The third hole is titled “Triple Burn,” to reflect how many times you’ll cross a creek during its 420 yards.

The rest of The Gailes’ facets certainly reflect its Scottish influence however, with sod-faced bunkers and fescue growing rampant off the fairways. The winds off of the lake, directly east, will certainly create a links-like sensation as well, but Aldridge has constructed the course to prevent headaches. The No. 9 hole features a fairway nearly 100 yards wide, earning it the title “B-52 Target.” At just 300 yards from the back tee, the hole certainly invites players to take aim at its green, which in turn is surrounded by six deep pots.